The wonders of water

Late last year I made a commitment to drink at least eight glasses of water everyday. Before kasi I only drink water during meals or when I'm thirsty lang. Drinking a glass of water every morning and before going to bed is now one of my health & beauty regimens.

I used to have a very dry skin but when i increased my water intake, my skin soften. So you'd better think twice before splurging on those expensive beauty products. Because the solution to your skin problem might just a water away! :)

Here are the reasons why water is very essential in our body. (Water 101 written by Dr. Willie Ong for Mabuhay mag)

1) Water helps treat respiratory infections by loosening sticky phlegm. Drinking lots of water is just as beneficial as some mucolytics. --natural na, tipid ka pa.

2) Water keep you alert and energetic. If you're dehydrated, your blood is literally thicker.This makes it harder for the blood to circulate. As a result, the brain becomes less active and you may feel confused and fatigued.

3) Water reduces heartburn. Taking two to three gulps of water every 20 minutes or so can help flush the stomach acid away.

4) Water prevents dehydration during diarrhea. As a first-aid, mix a glass of water with two teaspoons of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt, and drink as much as you can. This is similar to the dextrose solution in the hospital.

5) Water keeps your skin soft and radiant. A dehydrated person has deep-set eyes and wrinkled skin; a fully hydrated person exhibits a beautiful skin tone.

6) Water prevents constipation and its complications.Too little water can harden the stools and lead to hemorrhoids and diverticulosis, a disease of the large bowel.

7) Water treats urinary tract infection. "Drinking lots of water will help flush out harmful bacteria from your bladder." says Medical City kidney specialist Dr. Roberto Tanchanco.

8) Water helps reduce fever. It can help lower your body temperature when you urinate the heat out of your body.

How?

1) Drink 8 to 12 glasses a day. Urine color should be monitored and keep it on the light side. However, drink only a maximum of 16 glasses a day, and not more. Too much water can dilute the blood causing low sodium levels in the blood.

2) Drink water when you wake up. Drinking water in the morning helps flush out the toxins that have accumulated all night.

3) Drink little by little throughout the day. This will lessen the stress on the heart and give your body more time to absorb it.

4) Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. By the time you feel thirsty,you're probably already two glasses below your normal water requirement. Elderly people are also less sensitive to the body's need for water.

5) Drink water instead of soft drinks or coffee. Some experts believe that they can be potentially dehydrating. Drinking alcohol is worse because it actually dehydrates you by making you urinate a lot.

6) Drink more when it's hot. People living in hot climates like the Philippines need to drink more water. They are more prone to develop kidney stones compared to those living in cooler region.

7) Drink more as you exercise. Go for an extra 500ml of water for a 30-minute to 1-hour exercise.

8) Drink more if you're pregnant. Women who are expecting or breast-feeding need additional fluids to stay hydrated.

What are you waiting for?! Grab your refreshing glass of water now!